Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 9 December 2003

Unlicensed vehicle dealer faces court

After running a total of 325 advertisements in the Sunday Times, West Australian and Quokka newspapers, Francesco (Frank) Domenico (Domenic) La Rosa (55) of Highview Street Alexander Heights faced court yesterday for dealing in motor vehicles without a licence.

Consumer Protection alleges that Mr La Rosa engaged in a number of activities of buying wrecked vehicles and then selling them including:

13 wrecked motor vehicles purchased by Mr La Rosa at 11 separate auctions during the period 31/8/2002 to 21/1/2003.

6 wrecked motor vehicles purchased by Mr La Rosa at 5 separate auctions during the period 31/8/2002 to 5/12/2002.

Consumer Protection will be presenting evidence that Mr La Rosa undertook wide advertising to buy and sell multiple vehicles including:

178 advertisements in the Sunday Times

81 advertisements in The West Australian

66 advertisements in the Quokka

"We take a very dim view of unlicensed dealing as it puts consumers who can least afford it at risk and damages the reputation of honest dealers who do the right thing", Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

The case has been adjourned until Thursday 22nd January 2004.